Question
I live in northern Utah and have a small grove of 12 Aspen all of which are looking unhealthy with a sticky waxy substance covering the leaves and trunks.  It appears to be killing the trees.  How do I treat?

Answer
Hi Jim,

Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed by sucking plant sap from leaves and excrete a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew. The damage is mostly unsightly but, in the long-term, may kill the branches they feed on.

You would need to spray with an insecticide to get rid of the aphids.  There is a product on the market called Atomic Grow that is organic and can bring your trees back to health so the aphids go elsewhere and do not bother your trees anymore.  kathy